" Gov. Sam Brownback declared Tuesday that Kansas has established "life as sacred and beautiful" with new laws requiring doctors to get written permission from parents before performing abortions on minors and tightening restrictions on procedures after the 21st week of pregnancy based on disputed claims that fetuses can feel pain. "

" Kansas joined an exclusive club when it became only the second state to ban late-term abortions because of fetal pain.

" But not for long. The Idaho governor signed a similar bill Thursday, and more like it are advancing in Oklahoma and a dozen other states. "

" At least five other state legislatures are considering similar bills this year. "

" Friday, the House Federal and States Affairs Committee passed legislation that would restrict abortions past 20 weeks based on the ability of the unborn to feel pain. "

"[Gov.] Blunt appointed a vocal opponent of embryonic stem-cell research to the Life Sciences Research Board. Bob Onder, a Lake St. Louis physician with an asthma and allergy practice, is active with groups that spread falsehoods about stem-cell research"

"Our policy position is that any stem cell research, therapies or cures that are permitted by federal law should be allowed in Kansas - provided that such activities are conducted ethically and safely and do not involve human reproductive cloning."